Scale degrees + subtonic vs. leading tone???

Each note of a scale can be identified by its scale degree number or by its scale degree name. The numbers are very straightforward - just number the scales 1-8 from bottom to top. For example, in the scale of C major, 1 would be C, 2 would be D, 3 would be E, and so on and so forth. The names, on the other hand, are not as easy to learn, and unfortunately, you will just have to memorize them. Here they are as follows:

1: tonic

2: supertonic (The prefix, "super-" means "above". So, "above the tonic")

3: mediant

4: subdominant

5: dominant

6: submediant

7: subtonic OR leading tone

8: tonic (one octave higher than 1)

As you can see, there are two terms associated with the 7th scale degree - subtonic and leading tone. However, these two are NOT the same thing, and therefore NOT interchangeable. So, what's the difference?

The subtonic is ONE WHOLE STEP below the tonic, while the leading tone is only ONE HALF STEP below the tonic. This is an important distinction, especially in minor scales.

For instance, in the C minor natural scale, the 7th note is a Bb, which is one whole step below the tonic, C. Therefore, in the C minor natural scale, the 7th scale degree is the subtonic.

C minor natural scale: C D Eb F G Ab Bb C

However, in the C minor harmonic scale, the 7th note is a B natural, which is only a half step below the tonic, C. Therefore, in this scale, the 7th scale degree is the leading tone.

C minor harmonic scale: C D Eb F G Ab B♮C

The leading tone is more commonly used than the subtonic, because it has a stronger tendency to resolve or "lead" to the tonic.

Out of all the scale degrees, the tonic, the subdominant, and the dominant are the most important, as it is on these scale degrees that the primary triads of any key are built.

If you would like to check your understanding of this concept, please watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. It explains everything I've written here, AND there is a short quiz towards the end of the video.

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